Chapter 34

Third person POV

John stuck with his decision and as promised continued looking for Zawadi inspite of the warnings he received from human resources. She was his friend ,his child's godmother and his fiance's best friend, he owed her that much. He used his connections with the police as well as his friends from law school but everyone turned out short.

He hastened his efforts when he realized that Marcus will still go to court whether Zawadi was around or not. He knew Zawadi's chances of winning were pretty slim but at least she would be there to defend herself. He tried looking for her even in the most remote places in the country but there was still no sign of her.

He admitted defeat when he came up with nothing after one month of searching. Marcus grew impatient as the court date was postponed to allow the police more time to find her. He was angrier than he has ever been. Everyone in the hotel and everywhere he went stayed away from him. He was like a ticking time bomb ready to explode.

He was not only angry because of Zawadi's disappearance, he was also mad that Katelyn was hiding his child from him. He was frustrated by everything happening around him. He lacked control and that was dangerous for a man who relished on being in control. So when he got some control, he held on it, too tight . He started following projects taking place in the company that his employees didn't have time to breath.

The police were given orders to look for Zawadi everywhere. She was treated as a dangerous criminal and a flight risk. Her photo was printed in the newspapers, some were circulating on social media platforms and they were also shown on TV. Everyone in Kenya knew Zawadi's name and face by now even little children.

The first time her parents saw her picture in the news ,her mother cried so hard. They revealed that she had stolen million of dollars and she was a person of interest. Her parents didn't believe the charges put against her and they were ready to get her the best lawyer they could afford. The only thing missing was Zawadi.

Her best friend Zuri didn't take the news so well. She was so angry that she confronted Marcus. He took the role of the victim like he was born for it and that pissed Zuri off even more. She demanded her husband stops working for the tyrant who was destroying her friend's life.

John saw the picture in the paper first and he was surprised. He didn't think Marcus would result to this. He assumed Marcus was an honourable man but this was a dick move. He tried talking to Marcus to drop the charges and deal with this issue internally without involving the court but Marcus refused. So when his wife demanded that he resign from his job, he was too happy to oblige.

He was done working for a selfish ass. They all knew Marcus was still in love with Zawadi and they didn't understand why he wanted to humiliate her like that infront of the whole world. John felt like this punishment was too harsh and when the truth does come out , Marcus will have destroyed everything between him and Zawadi.

Dr. Almasi also saw Zawadi's picture in the news and he didn't know what to do. Should he report her to the police? Or should he mind his own business? When Zawadi asked for his help ,he didn't know he would be aiding and embedding a criminal.

Those charges they accused her off, felt so foreign to him. Zawadi was the sweetest person he has ever met even if he didn't know her very well. She was like the sun sharing her light with everyone she meets . How could someone accuse her of doing such things ? He didn't take long to decide that he will continue helping her, even if he might end up in jail.

She didn't tell him about any of this and he doubted she knew what was happening. Her phone has been off for three months and the only way to communicate with her was to go see her in person. He planned to go during the weekend and carry some essentials with him. He also needed to check on her pregnancy and see if the baby was growing well .

He was glad that Zawadi was safe ,hidden away from this cruel world.

***************************************

Zawadi's POV.

I have been cooped up in this house for the last three months. No going outside the compound ever. I loved the simple life in upcountry. I know I have lived most of my life in the farm when I was growing up but still I loved it. It taught me responsibility, patience, hardwork and most of all waking up early.

I hate waking up early, it has been my number one problem for as long as I can remember. Here I felt free ,calm and at peace allowing me to grow and take extra care of my body. For three months ,food and essential items have been stocked up for me so there was no need of going out.

I sat under a small tree sheltering me from the scorching sun. My book on the small stool next to me. I was reading yet another novel to keep me busy especially when I get tired of watching Netflix. I had an array of choices from the small library Almasi made for me.

Almasi has been a wonderful host for the last three months. He let me stay here for free. He brought me essential items every two weeks especially food. My appetite had grown almost ten fold from this baby. I am always eating ,from small mandazis to making samosas in the evening. My days were filled with eating, watching Netflix, sleeping, reading novels and repeat.

You would think it would get boring after some time but it didn't actually. I didn't mind the monotony. I loved the monotony ,it relaxed me as I am a creature of habit. I needed some things in the house and instead of calling Almasi, I made an executive decision to go outside and buy what I needed.

I wore my slippers properly ,went to the house to find some money. Once I had the money in my hand I slowly walked outside the walls keeping me safe. The walk to the nearest supermarket was short. I waltz in ,picked a shopping basket before I started putting the things I needed inside.

I was so excited to shop again that I didn't notice, people staring at me at the supermarket. Once I was done shopping ,I went to the counter to pay and check out my shopping. The cashier looked suprised to see me for some reason. She exchanged a look with the person bagging my items before she started billing my items .

I waited patiently for them to finish, paid my dues and left happy that I got some steps in. I walked home even slower as the bag was heavy. I kept stoping and placing the shopping bag in the ground to catch a break. After almost half an hour I was home. Happy and content with the days events, I emptied the shopping bag and placed everything where they were supposed to be.

I cooked my dinner early before I sat on the couch and continued watching some K-drama. I was obsessed with them nowadays. After a few hours of watching I fell asleep on the couch.

I heard a loud bang from a far. I thought I was dreaming until I heard footsteps getting close. I woke up lazily ,rubbed my eyes and rose from the couch.

" Weka mikono jua saa hizi!" ( Put you hands up now!) Yelled someone.

I turned to see police officers in my house . I was so confused that I didn't do what they asked, which only irritated them further. I reached for my phone and that was when I knew I made the wrong move. Immediately they pointed their guns at me as if I intended to shoot them.

" Nimesema weka mikono jua ama nikupige risasi!" ( Put your hands up or I will shoot you) threatened another officer.

The word shoot pushed through my confused brain and automatically my hands went up. My confusion was still there but I didn't want to end up getting shot .

One policeman came towards me and forced my hands behind my back roughly that I cried out in pain.

" Nyamaza!"( Shout up!)

I decided to keep quiet and follow instructions. We walked out of the house , through the compound and out the gate. Waiting at the gate was a crowd of citizen looking at what was happening as if it was the most interesting thing to have happened here. Having lived here for three months I would agree this was drama .

Some people had there phones out taking vedios of me in handcuffs ,being led to a police car. They kept pointing at me and talking. I felt like I was missing something because why was I being arrested? Two officers got in the front of the car holding me and drove to God knows where. Some police cars followed closely behind.

" Sasa huyo msichana alifanyia Nini hiyo pesa yote?" ( Now what did this girl do with all that money?)

Which girl?

" Mnaeza niambie Nini inaendelea?" ( can you please tell me what is going on?) I asked politely.

It was better not to agitate them further. I have seen how aggressive they can be and I didn't think I could survive that.

"Wewe mwizi nyamaza!" ( You thief shut up!) One of the officers yelled.

What was wrong with this people? I just wanted to know where they are taking me. I had to wait and see.